In Abia, police apprehend ten alleged child traffickers and save eighteen children
The Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued eight infants and ten stolen children in a well-coordinated operation targeting a suspected child trafficking ring operating in Aba and its surrounding areas. The operation resulted in the arrest of ten individuals connected to the syndicate.
In a statement released on Friday, October 10, 2025, the police spokesperson, DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, confirmed the arrests. The operation followed a complaint made at the Ohuru Isimiri police Divisional Headquarters, where it was reported that a woman from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, had traveled to Aba with her two children after being lured by a young man who promised her marriage. Upon arrival, the man abducted her and her children.
Responding to credible intelligence, police officers raided a location where stolen children were being held. During the raid, they arrested five suspects and freed eight children. Further investigation led to the arrest of five additional suspects and the rescue of seven more infants and four children.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Mrs. Best Ndubusi, 41, from Apaa Osokwa, Osisioma LGA, Abia State
- Charles Enyinnaya, 25, from Umuogele Ovom, Aba South LGA, Abia State
- Eunice Ezekiel, 35, from No. 1 Foursquare, Umukalika, Aba South LGA, Abia State
- Nnena Kalu, 60, from Osisioma LGA, Abia State
- Gideon Esther, 25, from Amalek by Amencha 7Up, Aba, Abia State
- Obiegbunam Von, 65, from Aba, Abia State
- Ezeoma Rejoice, 21, from Aba, Abia State
- Ngozi Owoh, 20, from Aba, Abia State
- Favour Ernest, 22, from Aba, Abia State
- Brittney Oyemuwa Zion, 22, from Amuoji Uku, Obingwa LGA, Abia State
The police statement detailed the events, noting that on September 27, 2025, the victim—lured by the man under the pretense of marriage—arrived in Aba with her two children. After being asked to go out and get food, she returned to find both her children and the man had disappeared. Despite attempts to contact them, the woman was unable to locate her children.
On October 8, 2025, based on reliable intelligence, the police conducted a raid on a location in Aba, rescuing one infant and seven children while apprehending five suspects. The following day, on October 9, 2025, they raided another property along the Aba/Owerri Road, arresting four more suspects and rescuing seven infants and three children. On October 10, 2025, a further raid led to the arrest of Brittney Oyemuwa Zion and the rescue of one more child.
The police are continuing their investigation at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). Authorities are urging the public, especially those with missing or stolen children, to visit the SCID Gender Section or contact the OC Gender at 08033173846.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, emphasized the Command's commitment to tackling crime and ensuring the safety of all residents in Abia State. He encouraged the public to remain vigilant, properly supervise their children, and promptly report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.